Amma

Message from Amma

  • Romantic
  • Bargain lunch Specials
  • Outdoor Catering

"I wanted to try Indian food I've never tasted" - Ask Gael, New York Magazine October 6th 2003 "Amma, an Indian restaurant with a difference" - Eric Asimov, N.Y. Times Sep 27th 2002 "Clean your plates anyway" - New York Magazine, May 13th 2002 "Amma tastefully fills the gap between Curry Row-style cheap eats and pricey Indian fusion" - Time Out New York? 2003 Eating and Drinking Guide "Eat to make your Mother Proud" - Arthur J Pais? India Abroad, October 18th 2002 "Mama's food never had it so good" - J. Walman? Our Town, October 24th 2002

Editorial and merchant content by Citysearch

Marker Amma

(212) 644-8330

246 E 51st St New York, NY 10022
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Editorial Description by Citysearch
The Scene
A discerning crowd of mostly families comes here expecting--and receiving--food that's a cut above. The small, peaceful dining room is peach-colored with handsome fabric art and a general air of spotlessness. The hovering service staff describe everything in detail. Dishes are served individually, rather than family-style.

The Food
The clean-flavored, delicate version of Indian cuisine served here is impressively tasty; several discrete notches above the average decent neighborhood establishment. Spinach chaat--peppery, batter-fried leaves topped with zingy mung sprouts--makes a terrific starter; so does a trio of small, subtle samosas. Tandoor-grilled lamb chops are incredibly juicy and savory, and a pear chutney sets them off terrifically. Kararee bhindi--crisp, tangy okra and onion salad--is memorably pungent. Madras chicken and the tomatoey Malabar salmon are standard, while desserts are a must-try, particularly the fluffy housemade mango cheesecake and kulfi in citrus soup.
Rated 8.0 out of 10 by Citysearch.

59 Reviews of Amma in New York

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an Indian restaurant with a difference  3 Star Rating - Satisfactory

By Victoria F. | insider_guru Insider Guru | Rank: 906

Most of the reviews that I read did not give this place a good rating but I did not experience any rudeness of any kind and the staff was quite delightful and I enjoyed my meal of grilled salmon cake and the chicken tikka masala.

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Latest reviews by Citysearch: (read all 58 reviews on Citysearch)

Indians not welcome 1 Star Rating - Unsatisfactory

By kutchi

I've never been to amma, as a matter of fact, I live in Minneapolis and am tempted to visit it on my next visit to NYC, but from my observations and what looks like a trend in all of the reviews I've read, it looks as if though indians are not the target market; hence indians are treated rudely, and other bad experiences. I notice this every time I see an indian sounding name, email address, or even a clear statement that reads that "I'm an indian." (Reverse racism maybe?)

If this is the case then "fusion indian" amma is trying its level best to attract non-indian patrons and get them to accept their types of "indian foods."

After all whoever heard of the crazy dishes in authentic indian foods that use exotic fruits in in an entree without the heat.

How many indian homes make a "Kachumber" (salad) utilizing apples and pears? We even like our salads hot as hell!

Anyway, you indians know what I'm talking about, unfortunately for the non-indians you are being deceived to believe that us indians concoct such dishes in our homes or restaurants in India and call them " authentic indian food." There is no such thing. Either it is indian or it is not.

At best, this amma seems to portray itself as an upscale european/american restaurant with a flair by adding indian spices. I wouldn't call that very "authentic Indian." Would you agree?

Pros: Non-Indians think this is authentic
Cons: Indians not treated very well
Posted 03/31/09

Blown Away by the Food and Service! 5 Star Rating - World class

By hubriis

We made a reservation at Amma during Restaurant Week. That said, we knew going into it not to have high expectations....boy, were we blown away by not only the food but the stellar, attentive service!

We started with the Tomato Rasam and Mughlai Chicken Shorba soups. The tomato soup had a wonderful afterburn and a terrific layering of flavors. The chicken soup was good, but lacked any real flavor other than chicken.

We chose the Cochin Crab Cakes (chef spices and ginger infused golden crusted patties) and Kesari Malai Tikka (chicken breast in saffron yogurt marination) appetizers and both were just wonderful. The crab cakes were light and packed with crab flavor and the malai chicken had a nice delicate flavor.

For our main course, we chose Stuffed Chicken Breast (garam masala, paneer onion tomato sauce) and Tandoori Lamb Chops (ginger garlic yogurt marination); both were served with naan, raita, Manchurian cauliflower and jackfruit biryani. The raita was fantastic! I really enjoyed the subtle spicing of the chicken and while I did not prefer the lamb (I just don't really like the flavor of some of the gamier meats) my beau declared it delicious. The other standout was the Manchurian cauliflower...we are always trying to come up with new and interesting preparations for cauliflower and this one was amazing!

We finished our meal with a trio of Kulfi and the mango cheesecake. I am a self-declared cheesecake connoisseur and the mango cheesecake was divine. The Kulfis were good as well, there was a trio of original (pistachio) flavor, strawberry and mango. While the fruit flavors were nice, I really loved the pistachio best.

We paired our meal with the optional wine flight which included a white, a red and a dessert wine. The staff was unfailingly gracious and attentive, and we truly felt as though we were their top priority. I would highly recommend Amma for great upscale Indian food.

Posted 02/06/09

amazinggg food!! soo flavorful! my 1st time trying indian food and i'm def. going back! 5 Star Rating - World class

By catheyk

went there today for lunch for restaurant week and the food was seriously AMAZING! I don't usually write reviews but the food was just that good. Me and the bf decided to take full advantage of restaurant week and this was the 3rd restaurant we tried and it was undoubtedly the best. Whoever posted saying that the food wasn't outstanding must've ordered the wrong thing or caught them on an off day b/c the food was soo flavorful...not to mention they didn't skimp on the portions like most restaurants do for restaurant week. Everything from the soup to the dessert was wonderful and its a steal at 24.07 for 4 course meal. If you're going to try any restaurant for restaurant week--go here!! btw, you must try the chili shrimp appetizer, sea bass main course, and chicken soup! sooo goood

Pros: amazing food, nice decor & ambience, prompt & friendly service
Cons: noneee!
Posted 01/26/09

best wine service 5 Star Rating - World class

By lucy123456

the food is awesome. the wine service is very attentive. the way the wine person choose the wine for you feels like he is taking care of you..doesnot feel like he is trying to sell hi wine.. he recommended a very good reserve wine for us. thanks to him..

Pros: restaurant size
Cons: busy place
Posted 01/20/09

awesome service and food 5 Star Rating - World class

By james1840

yesterday, we 4 friends planned to go to dine at Amma restaurent. place is little small. the food is little different from what other indian restaurent serve. the wine selection and the wine service was above the expectation. above all we had a good time. sometimes when it gets little busy then the service might be little slow however it is a small place, so considering that its worthit to visit atleast once.

Pros: very homely service
Cons: little small place
Posted 11/20/08